Wind farm cable replacement

Due to damage to an array cable, an offshore wind farm was operating at reduced capacity. DEME, tasked to undertake the replacement, turned to MDL for onshore support with prompt execution. The scope covered transpooling of the cable from shore onto the installation vessel at the client's facility in the Netherlands. With an extensive track record in transpooling operations, MDL had the tools and expertise to support.

The scope covered loading a new 33kV submarine array cable onto the carousel of the client's Offshore Support Vessel. The vessel then sailed to the wind farm, where it recovered the 2200m cable that was damaged and installed the replacement. On the vessel's return to port, OneTeam MDL transpooled the excess length of the new cable onto a storage reel. The damaged cable was spooled on top of the new cable for ease of storage and shipment.

For this fast-track project, MDL mobilised a complete transpooling package, which included a 2-track tensioner, an overboarding chute and under-rollers. Thanks to MDL’s prompt response and efficient equipment deployment, the client was able to replace the damaged offshore connection cable within 5 days of contacting MDL - minimising downtime and revenue loss for the wind farm.